Lightweight paperboard is the trend of the times

GLOBAL high-quality folding boxboard supplier, Mets. Board remains optimistic about the company’s growth going forward in Asia – no small part of which is expected in China, where the company has operated since 1953. FoodPacific Manufacturing Journal sat down with Mets?. Board CEO Mikko Helander to gain his insights on 60 years of doing business in China, where consumer demand for FMCG as well as luxury goods continues to spur demand for high-quality paperboard, and the company’s plans and prospects going forward.

What significant changes in Chinahave influenced the way you do business over the past 60 years?

Huge improvement in the standard of living and consequently the booming growth in consumption of different types of consumer goods have positively impacted the way Mets. Board does business in China. Of course, many, many other developments have been amazing, but from our business point of view, the huge increase in consumption of packaged foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other fast moving consumer goods has been a tremendous factor in how we operate in China.

Mets?. Board is certainly in a positionto help customers improve their sustainability efforts. How exactly do you approach this?

Today, and in the future, I believe very strongly sustainability issues are becoming more significant and will initiate change. The Chinese government, businesses and the society in general will focus more and more effort toward making life more sustainable.

We are one of the first companies to develop our business sustainably – from business processes to product.

My company has a strong commitment to reduce emissions and make all processes even more sustainable. For example, we have pledged to improve our energy efficiency by 10% and reduce our carbon  dioxide emissions by 30% by 2020. We’re very proud also because all the wood used by Mets. Board is traceable – all these concrete measures and targets prove our commitment to environmental issues.

Our approach is a public commitment and very strict internal programme to preview and assess how we adhere to these measures through our annual sustainability report. That is our way to inform everyone that we are on track when it comes to meeting our sustainability goals and how well our operations are meeting those targets. Not only talking, but also implementing our sustainability principles.

Since 2009,we have improved our operations immensely. For instance, we have reduced CO2 emissions by 26% since 2009, and are on track to meet our targets in 2020.

How would you assess the degree of sophistication of customers in China?

Customers in China, in addition to their focus on sustainability, are also concerned about product safety. Demand of high quality consumer goods has been stable and unaffected by recession, and therefore Mets. Board turnover has not been materially affected by global slowdown, because of its focus on high quality materials.

China remains a major market for its folding boxboard business.In Asia Pacific, China is the dominant market which accounts for nearly a quarter of Mets. Board’s sales in the region.

Will paperboard ever go out of style? Will there ever come a time when paperboard can no longer bemade sustainably?

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